The Prime Minister David Cameron has also offered his deep sympathy on behalf of the British people for those who have died, those who have lost their homes, and all those who have been affected by the floods in Queensland.

The PM told Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard that said the UK was on standby to offer assistance needed. Read the PM’s full statement.

The Foreign Secretary said:

“The British Government is following the appalling situation in Queensland closely. I have already written to Australian Foreign Minister, Kevin Rudd, to offer our support and sympathy for the loss of life in Queensland.

My thoughts are with those who have lost family members and the many thousands who have been forced to evacuate their homes. It is clear that the flooding is devastating large areas of North Eastern Australia and that it will be some time before the full impact is known. In Britain we value our close personal relations with the people of Australia and we feel for them deeply at this difficult time.”